Louis Vuitton releases new fragrance "Fleur du Désert" - an oriental scent blending oud and flowers native to the Middle East

Jun 30, 2022
Louis Vuitton will release a new fragrance, "Fleur du Désert," from its collection paying homage to the perfume culture of the Middle East on June 30th.

©LOUIS VUITTON
LES PARFUMS LOUIS VUITTON, which has been exploring the fragrance culture of the Middle East since 2018, is now breaking new ground. Following on from Ombre Nomade, Les Sables Roses, Nuit de Feu, and Pur Oud*, the Maison's in-house Master Perfumer, Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud, pays homage to three Middle Eastern flowers that have been symbols of perfumery around the world for centuries: jasmine, a symbol of beauty from the Far East to the Mediterranean; orange blossom, used since ancient times in the Middle East; and rose, one of the most celebrated varieties native to Damascus. In creating the collection's fifth fragrance, Jacques sought to embody these natural wonders in their purest form. These "nectars of flowers" blossom at the heart of a rich and sophisticated oriental scent, a signature that transcends perfumery.
*Not available in Japan


The Magnificence of the Desert

In the desert, everything seems more present. This extreme setting has fascinated humans since time immemorial, inspiring countless stories. Its vastness invites us to dream even further. Despite its harsh environment, the desert holds stunning wonders and unforgettable emotions.

In this sandy world, even the slightest hint of color catches the traveler's eye and stops them in their tracks. A flower with petals resembling a crown, an unexpected plant in a vast ocean of minerals—both fragile and resilient, this flower's beauty is all the more magnificent as it braves the forces of nature. Against all odds, life blossoms, making the impossible possible—a miracle that unfolds on the border between reality and fantasy.


Nectar of Flowers

During his many visits to the Middle East, Jacques Cavalier Belletrud remembers striking contrasts: barren sand dunes surrounding the sea; scorching days followed by icy nights; a magnificent palace towering in the heart of the desert, an architectural jewel that breaks the monotony of the sand like a mirage. To create "Fleur du Désert", meaning "Flower of the Desert", he surrendered to the "absolute beauty" of a lush oasis he encountered during a morning walk in the Saudi Arabian desert, not far from Jeddah. Moved by this "symbol of extreme optimism" – the force of life resisting the barren land – Jacques translated the image into a colorful, contrasting signature: the delicacy of a fresh floral bouquet enhanced by the depth of an oriental note.

©LOUIS VUITTON
©LOUIS VUITTON
Jasmine, orange blossom and rose – these three flowers of Middle Eastern origin have come to symbolize Western perfumery. "These flowers were brought to Europe by caravans from various parts of the Orient," says Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud. "My idea was simply to embody the natural wonder of these flowers in their raw form." Directly inspired by the history and origins of perfume, Fleur du Désert celebrates the undeniable contribution of the Middle East, the birthplace of the art of fragrance for millennia. Jacques carefully selected the finest flowers, evocative of his native Grasse, with which he is intimately familiar. Two essences, obtained using Louis Vuitton's exclusive carbon dioxide extraction method, faithfully recreate the scent of the fresh flowers at the heart of his perfume compositions: Jasmine Grandiflorum, sweetened with orange blossom absolute, exudes a delicate radiance, while Centifolia rose captures the sublime softness of its petals. This precious bouquet is an ode to the art of perfumery, infused with oriental accords of floral nectar and natural spices.

"My goal was not to create a Western expression of an oriental accord, but to create a true expression of the unique culture and beauty of the Middle East."
Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud

©LOUIS VUITTON
Produced by a family of growers in Bangladesh who are now exclusive suppliers to Louis Vuitton, Oud Assam, also known as "black gold," a jewel of the Middle Eastern perfumery, expresses its unparalleled olfactory richness through an unparalleled essence distilled over two centuries. Woody, animalic, spicy, ambery... its profound fragrance is mellowed by notes of honey that echo the softest side of the floral bouquet. Touched by the whisper of cinnamon, warm like a desert breeze, this rich scent envelops the skin with the sensuality of ambrox, before melting into the natural musk softness of ambrette seed. Encased in precious ingredients, this "nectar of flowers" reveals its absolute refinement over time.


Louis Vuitton and the Middle East - A Signature Heritage

Inaugurated with Ombre Nomade in 2018, LES PARFUMS LOUIS VUITTON's homage to Middle Eastern perfumery is not limited to the region that provided the raw materials and inspiration. With each fragrance, Jacques Cavallier Belletrud reaffirms his personal creative process and his connection to Middle Eastern perfumery. Both share an unwavering love for textured, sophisticated fragrances. Born into a family of perfumers whose roots lie in his grandfather's perfumery, Jacques says, "A truly great perfume has a unique, instantly memorable olfactory signature." In a word, a signature. Guided by this creative belief from an early age, Jacques naturally cultivated a strong affinity with Middle Eastern perfume lovers. With this collection, he pays homage to the culture and curiosity of Middle Eastern perfume lovers, without being confined by the olfactory clichés typical of Western perfumery. "I believe that what defines a 'Middle Eastern' perfume is not its notes, but rather its texture and complexity—its unmistakable elegance and presence," says Jacques.

©LOUIS VUITTON
©LOUIS VUITTON

Desert colors

For the Middle Eastern-inspired fragrances in this collection, Louis Vuitton has chosen a sophisticated yet powerful black color palette that captures the nuances of the desert's color and mystery. Crafted from beautiful glass, the Maison's iconic fragrance bottles appear black at first glance, but when held up to the light they reveal their deep, vibrant hues. The "Fleur du Désert" bottle exudes a pinkish shimmer, evoking the vibrant contrast of fresh flowers. It is as if inviting you to encounter the secrets of the most beautiful desert──

Eau de Parfum "Fleur du Désert" 100 ml 49,500 yen (tax included)
Eau de Parfum "Fleur du Désert" 200 ml *Not available in Japan

Available from June 30, 2022, at select Louis Vuitton stores and the official website www.louisvuitton.com.

©LOUIS VUITTON

【About Louis Vuitton】
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has continued to offer unique designs that combine innovation and style, always with the finest quality. Even today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, Louis Vuitton faithfully carries on the spirit of "the essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, which is creative, elegant, and practical. It was "boldness" that created the story of Louis Vuitton. Respecting tradition, throughout history, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches & fine jewelry, and fragrances. These carefully crafted products are a testament to Louis Vuitton's commitment to craftsmanship.

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